For floating bridge construction, the transition span from shore to the floating portion of the structure is subject to longitudinal movement in combination with horizontal and vertical rotation. These large movements pose special problems for the expansion joint system at both ends of the transition span. The expansion joint system selected for these conditions must accommodate the wide range of movements involved and remain watertight, corrosion free, durable, require little or no maintenance, and have a useful life of 25 to 30 years.
The purpose of this experimental project is to gain knowledge about the effectiveness of the modular expansion joint system over time and to obtain knowledge about field installation techniques and structural performance. Due to weld cracking in similar expansion joints used in the existing SR 90 Third Lake Floating Bridge, it was deemed prudent to require a five-year warranty on the expansion joints on this project. The state will monitor the performance during the warranty period.
The evaluation of warranty provisions for these expansion joint systems has been FHWA approved as Special Experimental Project No. 14. This experimental project is a part of FHWA's program of encouraging innovative concepts in contracting procedures.
November 4, 2007
Tom Roper, Edward H. Henley.
Washington State Transportation Center (TRAC)
- # of Pages: 47 p., 40,178 KB (PDF)
- Subject: Bridge decks, Bridges, Construction management, Expansion joints, Floating structures, Modular structures, Motion,
Performance, Pontoon bridges, Rehabilitation (Maintenance), Service life.
- Keywords: Expansion joints, bridge deck rehabilitation, Lacey V. Murrow Bridge (Mercer Island and Seattle, Wash.), SR 90.
- Related Publications:
This abstract was last modified April 29, 2008